5 Signs You're A Bad Networker

You don’t do it.

We’ll go ahead and get the obvious one out of the way. You can’t be good at something that you don’t do. 

You have an on/off switch for networking.

Here’s a scientific equation for you:

  You + People= Networking

It’s easy for job-seekers, especially students, to think of networking as being one of two different worlds. There are the people who you dress up for and there are those that you don’t.  Unfortunately, you’re always networking yourself, whether it be on Social Media, on campus, or even on vacation!

You  have a phobia of meeting employers.

Employers are people, too. For the most part, they understand the position that College Students are in. Even more comforting to know, employers LOVE talking about what they do! Ask them “Tell me about what you do,” and what the magic happen! 

You think you’re the star.

Just like every other job searching technique, networking requires that you don’t view your needs as priority over the company’s needs. You are there to fill their spot and to make an impact for THEM. Not the other way around. So please, let’s hold off on your salary and vacation requirements.

You don’t think you need to network.

Are you a freshman? Network. Do you have a great Resume already? Network. Already have a job? Network. Networking builds connections that lasts a life-time. You never know when you’ll need it.

Need help with Networking? Can’t find any opportunities to meet some prime networkers? Sign up on Hire-A-Vol for “Networking at Neyland” on April 9^th!  

Dream Share Project

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Everyone has a passion or a dream.  The question is are they willing to take risks and opportunities to reach their dream.  Are you up for the challenge?

Come join Career Services on Tuesday, March 24^th in the Hodges Library Auditorium from 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. for the Dream Share Project.  This will include a documentary film screening created by two recent college graduates that explores how successful people are who have chased their dreams across America.  The screening will be followed up by a workshop about career exploration and inspiration. 

Tough Love

 

Senior year in college is a stressful time.  You start to realize that come graduation, this sort of fantasy-like life is over as you know it.  You can't wake up twenty minutes before work like you often did for class.  You can't wear sweatpants to the office, like you often did around campus.  And, you can't just go home to take a nap during working hours, like you all too often did in between classes.  Unfortunately, this reality check is something all college seniors have to go through.  It's a part of growing up.  A big reason for why many college seniors have not secured a job by graduation is not a saturated workforce, but rather a lack of effort.  In college, you are assigned work by professors, and you have a deadline.  While there are deadlines in the job search process, there are certainly no professors, parents, or bosses demanding that you complete job applications.  It's all on you.  So, instead of waiting for an opportunity to land in your lap, be proactive.  Instead of applying to five job openings, apply to twenty.  Instead of looking at networking as a chore, look at it as an opportunity.  It's all on you.  Fortunately or not, this is the first lesson you have to learn in your job search process.

Related Articles...
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2013/04/10/tough-love-tips-for-college-seniors-entering-the-job-market

Job Fair Tips

The job fair is TOMORROW from 2-6pm. Are you nervous? Don’t be. You might think this is your only shot to get that internship you’ve been wanting... Or your last chance to get a job before you graduate, but it’s not. Relax. Take this is for what it is—an opportunity to build your network and see what’s out there. There are ways to make yourself stand out from the other students at the job fair, such as:

·         Create a plan for the job fair.

·         Use an “elevator pitch”.

·         ALWAYS remember to get a business card!

This week in Career Services...

Diversity Job Fair                                      February 10^th 3-5pm                             Thompson Boling Arena

Spring Job & Internship Fair              February 11^th 2-6pm                             Thompson Boling Arena